The land was poised to allow its seeds to sprout, but God did not bring forth rain to allow them to grow, because there was no man yet to work the land. Hashem did not bring rain until there was a person who could recognize the necessity for rain, and, says Rashi, pray for rain. During its short rainy season, Eretz Yisrael is dependent on adequate rainfall to produce yearly crops. It is God’s design that the Jews living in Israel are to strengthen their relationship with Him through daily prayer requesting adequate rainfall and a successful agricultural season. Since Hashem desires a deep relationship with man, He incorporated the need for prayer, the ultimate form of dialogue between man and God, within the natural order.

Comments ( 3 )

The comments below do not necessarily reflect the beliefs and opinions of The Israel Bible™.

PAULINE ALLEN

26 Nov 2019

YES WE NEEDED RAIN FOR THE PLANTS TO SURVIVE, AND SEE THEM BLOOM INTO BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS AND CROPS FOR FOOD, IT IS ALL SO DELIGHTFUL TO SEE VEGETABLES GROW, AND FLOWERS FOR OUR GARDEN, AS IT MAKES ME FEEL PEACEFUL OF GOD'S CREATION.

Verse 6: BUT….a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground. There was no need to pray and ask God because He had already provided everything mankind needed to live and exist (verse 3). The rain was a necessity in order for Him to complete creation.

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About The Israel Bible

The Israel Bible is the world’s first Tanakh (Bible) centered around the Land of Israel, the People of Israel, and the dynamic relationship between them. Designed for both Jewish and non-Jewish readers alike, The Israel Bible offers a unique commentary that seeks to explain God’s focus on the Land of Israel alongside the original Hebrew text, transliteration of select Hebrew verses, and the New Jewish Publication Society translation.
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